Helderberg Hospice have dubbed February, traditionally known as the month of love, as “Have a Heart for Hospice” month. The palliative care organisation is grateful for the services volunteers, many of whom were unable to help during the worst of the pandemic as this placed them at risk. Unusually, and in perfect time for the celebrating Valentine’s Day, some volunteers have donated their time as couples to hospice through thick and thin, and show a real commitment – to each other and Helderberg Hospice.
DUDLEY AND JENNY ROWSELL: Jenny has been a volunteer for 15 years, and many people in the community know her as the Helderberg Hospice garden lady! She is the mover and shaker behind the wonderful Open Garden festivals and has been known to cold call owners of beautiful gardens to inquire whether they would be prepared to open their gardens to the public. Dudley joined his wife as a garden volunteer five years ago, and together they make a formidable team. Married for 45 years, they shared that mutual respect and support are key to their loving marriage, along with helping each other to reach their full potential.
COLLETTE AND BEN KUIPER: The Kuipers have been volunteering at hospice shops and as fundraisers for seven years. Collette is a hairdresser, who cuts and styles hospice patients’ hair as required, while Ben is a retired electrician, who fixes any donated electrical goods to be resold. The couple have been married for 45 years, and say their recipe to their successful marriage is they are best friends first!
EBRAHIM AND AMINA RHODA: The Rhodas have served on the Helderberg Hospice Board of Directors for 15 years. Amina is also part of the Lillies support group in Macassar. Both are avid supporters of Helderberg Hospice and have helped raise awareness for the organisation’s needs within their sphere of influence. This year (2022) is a golden one for Rhodas, as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple says part of their belief is to serve humanity, while trust, love and respect are the core principles of their relationship.
PENNY AND HELMUTH GRUNWALD: For 10 years, this wonderful couple has dedicated their time to collecting meals from the kitchen at Mediclinic Vergelegen for Helderberg Hospice patients on weekdays, weekends and holidays. The Grunwalds say volunteering for the organisation as a team brings them happiness and joy. The recipe for their 47-year marriage is respect, trust and compromise.
